Back on the Bike

Date: 12 April 2008 08:51:43

It's been a while, but I headed down south to the Southern Highlands today and did two rides. The motivation was, as well as getting fit, to add my tally to the Ship's Walk Around the World thread. If you have some time, I'd recommend a look at the photos various contributors, from around the world, have added: some wonderful shots.

My first ride today was in the Morton National Park. You can see the route here and the photos here. It was wonderful to ride around a national park: not only for the sights, and sounds of the local birds --- but the smell. Those who have been among the Australian bush, and eucalyptus trees in particular, will know the smell I am referring to: it is, simply, magical.

Here are some of the photos:

The bicycle shop where I asked for information, and had some wondrous scones [with jam and cream of course!] and a chocolate milkshake after my ride -- thus undoing any benefit the ride may've had at a single stroke! :) :

Some of the stunning views. As I looked at all the trees, impossible to count, I did ponder the fact that God made each one, and sustains each one. And, then, how he knows and cares for each of us. Truly amazing.

Me and a natural rock formation:

New and old banksias:

A termite mound and the dirt road:

I then round the 10km round trip from the town of Exeter to the town of Sutton Forest and back again, and then a ride around a little bit of Exeter. Photos here and route here. After the ride I dropped into the General Store to get a drink [Cascade Apple Isle...mmm]; I saw some locally made cordials, and grabbed a Lime and Ginger one -- looking forward to sampling it tonight.

Farmland and horse:

Trees changing colour: truly spectacular colours. Most trees in Australia do not shed their leaves, so when I see trees that change colours and lose their leaves, it is rather special.